WO2023223202A1

WO2023223202A1 - A cleaning device for removably attaching to a mop head

Info

Publication number: WO2023223202A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/055028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mukhopadhyay RITWICK
Original assignee: Freudenberg Gala Household Product Private Limited
Priority date: 2022-05-16
Filing date: 2023-05-16
Publication date: 2023-11-23

Abstract

The present disclosure is related to a cleaning device (1) for removably attaching to a mop head assembly (11a). The mop head assembly (11a) comprises a mop plate (10) and a mop refill comprising a refill frame (9) configured to removably attached to said mop plate (10). The cleaning device (1) comprises a connector plate (4) comprising a first side (4a) and a second side (4b). The first side (4a) configured to attach a cleaning means (12) and the second side (4b) is configured with a connecting arrangement (6) to engage and disengage with said mop head assembly (11a) to removably attach the cleaning device (1) to the mop head assembly (11a). The cleaning means (12), is selected from a scrubber or an absorbent sponge.

Description

A CLEANING DEVICE FOR REMOVABLY ATTACHING TO A MOP HEAD

FIELD

The present disclosure is related to a cleaning article for cleaning a floor or a tile surface or the like; more specifically, it relates to a cleaning device for removably attaching to a mop head.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Numerous cleaning articles are available in the market to clean the floor or tile surfaces. One well-known type of such article is the standing mop with tassels made of microfiber or similar absorbent material. Such mops have good liquid-absorbing properties and clean the floor surface by sweeping action. However, such spinning mops lack the ability to remove stubborn and hard stains as compared to scrubbing pads used to clean surfaces by scrubbing action. To remove such hard stains, user needs to bend and use scrubbing pads or scraping tools. For cleaning the surface effectively, users need to use separate devices for scrubbing the floor to remove the hard stain and absorbing the dirty water from the floor, which is inconvenient due to increased steps of cleaning. Further, to remove stubborn and hard stains, sweeping needs to be performed multiple times and more water needs to be used. To clean the surface effectively, it is required to absorb the dirty water containing dirt on the floor effectively and drain it into the bucket. Conventional mops with tassels made of cotton, microfiber or similar absorbent material get saturated easily and cannot absorb more water. Multiple sweeping and draining actions need to be performed to absorb the dirty water from the surface and make the surface clean.

There is, therefore, felt a need to provide a cleaning article with, better scrubbing or absorbing action and achieve overall better cleaning of floor or tile surfaces conveniently with minimum steps.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device for removably attaching to a mop head.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device which is a scrubber having an abrasive surface for removably attaching to a mop head.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device which is having a highly absorptive surface for removably attaching to a mop head.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device that is convenient to use and provide better cleaning effect.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved scrubber device that can be removably attached to a conventional cleaning mophead with tassels.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device that can be removably attached to a conventional cleaning mophead without tassels.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device for removably attaching to a mop head that reduces number of steps involved in cleaning stubborn and hard stains.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved scrubber device that can be easily and economically manufactured.

Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide an improved mop head assembly having removably attached cleaning device.

Still another object of present disclosure is to provide an improved mop head assembly with a scrubber having an abrasive surface removably attached to a mop head.

Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide an improved mop head assembly with a cleaning device having a highly absorptive surface for removably attaching to a mop head.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY The present disclosure is related to a cleaning article for cleaning a floor or a tile surface or the like. A cleaning device for removably attaching to a mop head assembly is disclosed in the present invention. The mop head assembly comprises a mop plate and a mop refill comprising a refill frame configured to removably attached to the mop plate. The cleaning device comprising a connector plate comprising a first side and a second side. The first side configured to attach a cleaning means and the second side is configured with a connecting arrangement to engage and disengage with the mop head assembly to removably attach the cleaning device to the mop head assembly.

According to an embodiment of present invention, the connector plate comprises plurality of spikelike protruded elements on the first side of the connector plate .

According to an embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be attached to the first side of connector plate by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press-fitting.

According to an embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means , is selected from a scrubber or an absorbent sponge.

According to an embodiment of present invention, the connection arrangement is selected from snap-fitting arrangement, press fitting arrangement or positive locking arrangement or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of present invention, the mop head assembly is configured to spin by resting on a protrusion of a spin bucket, the cleaning means includes a central hole configured to receive the protrusion of spin bucket allowing free spinning of mop head assembly .

According to an embodiment of present invention, shape of the mop plate and corresponding cleaning device is selected from a circular, a triangular or polygon shape.

According to an embodiment of present invention, a method of manufacturing the cleaning device comprises:

- injection molding a connector plate with desired shape and features

- manufacturing the cleaning means separately in desired shape

- attaching the cleaning means to the first side of the connector plate by suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press-fitting.

According to an embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber comprising a base material layer and an abrasive scrubber material layer deposited on the top surface of the base material layer, wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises abrasive particles having Moh’s scale of hardness between 1 to 4.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the scrubber has undulating surface comprising plurality of crest portions and trough portions .

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means is a scrubber comprising a base material layer and an abrasive scrubber material layer deposited on the top surface of the base material layer, wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane(PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises Polypropylene Strings and abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide or garnet.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means is a scrubber comprising interlaced synthetic fibers, wherein the synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning device as claimed in claim 12, the scrubber includes abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide or garnet. The scrubber has gram per square meter (GSM) value between 870 to 1850.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber comprising a polyurethane foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads therein. The steel is selected from SS430, SS304 and SS316 grades of steel.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber comprising a polyurethane foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven nylon threads therein.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber comprising plurality of bristles, the bristle material is selected from Polypropylene and nylon. The bristles include antimicrobial or antibacterial additives.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber comprising plurality of silicon bristles.

According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber made from interlaced coconut husk material. According to another embodiment of present invention, the cleaning means may be an absorbent sponge made from material selected from Polyvinyl alcohol , polyurethane , polyester, polyether, viscose or cellulose.

According to another embodiment of present invention, a mop head assembly is disclosed. The mop head assembly comprises a mop plate and a mop refdl comprising a refdl frame configured to removably attached to the mop plat, a cleaning device comprising a cleaning means and a connector plate , the connector plate comprises a first side and a second side. The first side configured to attach a cleaning means and the second side is configured with a connecting arrangement to engage and disengage with the refill frame to removably attach the cleaning device to the refill frame .

According to mop head assembly of present invention, the cleaning means, may be selected from a scrubber or an absorbent sponge.

According to mop head assembly of present invention, the connection arrangement is selected from snap-fitting arrangement, press fitting arrangement or positive locking arrangement or any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the connector plate comprises plurality of spikelike protruded elements on the first side of the connector plate .

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the cleaning means may be attached to said first side of connector plate by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press-fitting.

According to mop head assembly of present invention, the mop head assembly is configured to spin by resting on a protrusion of a spin bucket, the cleaning means includes a central hole configured to receive the protrusion of spin bucket allowing free spinning of mop head assembly.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, shape of the mop plate and corresponding cleaning device is selected from a circular, a triangular or polygon shape.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the cleaning means may be a scrubber comprising a base material layer and an abrasive scrubber material layer deposited on the top surface of the base material layer, wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane foam, Polyvinyl alcohol foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate, and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises abrasive particles having Moh’s scale of hardness between 1 to 4.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the scrubber has undulating surface comprising plurality of crest portions and trough portions.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the cleaning means is a scrubber comprising a base material layer and an abrasive scrubber material layer deposited on the top surface of the base material layer, wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane foam, Polyvinyl alcohol foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate , and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises Polypropylene Strings and abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein the abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide or garnet..

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the cleaning means is a scrubber made from a material selected from:

- interlaced synthetic fibers, wherein the synthetic fibers may be selected from: polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon, interlaced synthetic fibers with abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein the synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon, and wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide or garnet,

- a polyurethane foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads therein,

- a polyurethane foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven nylon threads therein,

- polypropylene bristles or nylon bristles or silicone bristles, or

- interlaced coconut husk material.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly of present invention, the cleaning means, may be an absorbent sponge made from a material selected from Polyvinyl alcohol , polyurethane , polyester, polyether, viscose and cellulose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The scrubber having an abrasive surface of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates exploded view of the cleaning device (1) of present invention and mop head assembly (I la). Figure 2 illustrates exploded view of the cleaning device (1) having triangular shape according to another embodiment of present invention and mop head assembly (I la).

Figure 3a and 3b illustrates side and isometric views of circular connector plate (4) and triangular connector plate (4) according to present invention.

Figure 4a and 4b illustrates side and isometric views of circular connector plate (4) and triangular connector plate (4) with spikelike protruded elements according to another embodiment present invention.

Figure 5a and 5b illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device with connector plates of figure 4a and 4b according to another embodiment of present invention.

Figure 6a illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device according to another embodiment of present invention, where cleaning device is a scrubber comprising base layer (3) and abrasive scrubber layer (2) and scrubber has undulating surface.

Figure 6b illustrates sectional view of the cleaning device of figure 6a.

Figure 6c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device of figure 6a.

Figure 6d illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device similar to that of figure 6a but having triangular shape.

Figure 7a illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device according to another embodiment of present invention, where cleaning device is a scrubber comprising base layer (3) and abrasive scrubber layer (2).

Figure 7b illustrates sectional view of the cleaning device of figure 7a.

Figure 7c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device of figure 7a.

Figure 8a illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device according to another embodiment of present invention, where cleaning device is a scrubber comprising interlaced synthetic fibers or interlaced coconut husk material.

Figure 8b illustrates sectional view of the cleaning device of figure 8a.

Figure 8c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device of figure 8a.

Figure 9a illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device according to another embodiment of present invention, where cleaning device is a scrubber comprising bristles.

Figure 9b illustrates sectional view of the cleaning device of figure 9a.

Figure 9c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device of figure 9a. Figure 10a illustrates isometric view of the cleaning device according to another embodiment of present invention, where cleaning device is an absorbent sponge.

Figure 10b illustrates sectional view of the cleaning device of figure 10a.

Figure 10c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device of figure 10a.

Figure 11 illustrates assembled view and exploded view of the mop head assembly (11b) of present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates assembled view and exploded view of the mop head assembly (11b) having triangular shape according to another embodiment of present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1- A cleaning device

2- Abrasive scrubber material layer

3- Base material

4- Connector plate

5- Central hole

6- Connecting arrangement

7a - Crest portion

7b - Trough portion

8 - Tassels

9 - Frame of mop refill

10 - Mop plate

1 la, 1 lb - Mop head assembly

12 - Cleaning means

12b - Bristles

13 - Spikelike protruded element

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

Numerous cleaning articles are available in the market to clean floor or tile surfaces. One well-known type of such article is standing mop with tassels made of microfiber or similar absorbent material. Such spinning mops have good liquid absorbent properties and clean the floor surface by sweeping action. However, such spinning mops lack the ability to remove stubborn and hard stains as compared to scrubbing pads used to clean surfaces by scrubbing action. To remove such hard stains user needs to bend and use scrubbing pads or scraping tools. For cleaning the surface effectively users need to use separate devices for scrubbing the floor to remove the hard stain and absorbing the dirty water from the floor, which is inconvenient due to increased steps of cleaning. Further, to remove stubborn and hard stains, sweeping needs to be performed multiple times and more water needs to be used. To clean the surface effectively, it is required to absorb the dirty water containing dirt on the floor effectively and drain it into the bucket. Conventional mops with tassels made of cotton, microfiber or similar absorbent material get saturated easily and cannot absorb more water. Multiple sweeping and draining actions need to be performed to absorb the dirty water from the surface and make the surface clean.

As shown in figure 1 and 2, the cleaning device (1) for removably attaching to a mop head assembly (I la) is disclosed. The mop head assembly (I la) comprises a mop plate (10) and a mop refill comprising a refill frame (9) configured to removably attached to said mop plate (10). The cleaning device (1) comprises a connector plate (4) comprising a first side (4a) and a second side (4b). The first side (4a) configured to attach a cleaning means (12) and the second side (4b) is configured with a connecting arrangement (6) to engage and disengage with said mop head assembly (I la) to removably attach the cleaning device (1) to the mop head assembly (I la). Figure 1 discloses embodiment with circular shape and figure 2 discloses another embodiment having triangular shape. According to another embodiment of present invention, shape of the mop plate and corresponding cleaning device may be selected from a circular, a triangular or polygon shape.

Figure 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b illustrates details of connector plate (4) according to present invention. According to embodiments illustrated in figure 4a and 4b, the connector plate (4) comprises plurality of spikelike protruded elements (13) on the first side (4a) of said connector plate (4). The second side (4b) is configured with a connecting arrangement (6) to engage and disengage with said mop head assembly (I la) to removably attach the cleaning device (1) to the mop head assembly (I la). The connecting arrangement (6) is preferably a snap fitting arrangement. However, the connection arrangement (6) may be selected from snap-fitting arrangement, press fitting arrangement or positive locking arrangement or any combination thereof.

As shown in Figure 5a and 5b, the cleaning device with cleaning means (12) is attached to connector plates of figure 4a and 4b. The spike like protruded elements (13) aids in easy attachment of cleaning means (12) with connector plate (4). According to an embodiment, once cleaning means (12) is worn it can be easily replaced without need of replacing connector plate (4) with help of the spikelike protruded elements (13).

As showcased in the figure 6a and figure 6b, the cleaning means (12) is an abrasive scrubber sheet attached to first side (4a) of the connector plate (4). The abrasive scrubber sheet comprises of a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base layer. The abrasive scrubber sheet (12) includes crest portion (7a) and trough portions (7b) on the surface of the abrasive scrubber sheet that faces the floor while cleaning. The base material layer (3) is compressible and the abrasive scrubber material layer (2) mainly performs scouring. Further, the abrasive scrubber sheet (12) includes a central hole (5) to allow entry of a protruding support (not shown) of a spin basket of the spin mop bucket (not shown).

The process of manufacturing the scrubber device includes the following steps.

In abrasive scrubber material slurry formation step abrasives are mixed together with the binder, antifoaming agent, stabilizer and thickener along with coloring pigments. In base material cutting step, the base material, preferably polyurethane sponge is cut in the desired wave pattern followed by spraying step. In spraying step, the abrasive slurry is sprayed over the wavy surface of the base material sheet followed by drying step. In drying step, slurry coated base material sheet is passed through a dryer which solidifies the viscous abrasive scrubber material layer on the base material sheet to form an abrasive scrubber sheet. The abrasive slurry gets embedded in the apertures of the base material and no further joining process is required to join the abrasive scrubber layer to the base material. The dryer comprises of a conveyor arrangement and a hot air supply arrangement that maintains temperature preferably around 60°C around the top surface of the conveyor. After the abrasive scrubber sheet is formed, die cutting is performed to get pieces of abrasive scrubber sheet having desired shape such as circular or square or triangular or hexagonal. Each piece of the abrasive scrubber sheet (12) is attached to the first side (4a) of connector plate (4) by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press-fitting.

Figure 6c showcases sectional view of the cleaning device assembled with the conventional mop head assembly (1 la) that also uses refill (9) with tassels (8). The conventional mop head assembly includes mop plate (10). Frame of conventional mop head refill (9) with tassels (8) is co-axially attached to mop plate (10). The cleaning device (1) of the invention, is attached to the mop plate (10) with the help of snap fitting arrangement (not shown) provided on the connector plate (4). The mop plate (10), frame (9) of conventional mop refill with tassels (8) and the cleaning device (1) are co-axial with each other. Further, the abrasive scrubber sheet (12) includes a central hole (5) to allow entry of a protruding support (not shown) of a spin basket of the spin mop bucket (not shown). Furthermore, the mop plate (10), frame of conventional mop head refill with tassels (9) and the scrubber device (1) can have different shapes such as triangular, square, hexagonal or the like.

Figure 6d showcases another embodiment the cleaning device (1) of the present invention having triangular shape.

Further, the scrubber device (1) may be manufactured in different shapes such as square, hexagonal etc.

Abrasive scrubber material composition in slurry form includes binders, stabilizers, thickeners, color pigment, acrylic abrasive particles and anti-foaming agents. Examples of suitable binders include epoxy, polyester or phenolic resins. Natural binders such as guar gum or other bio-adhesives may also be used. Example of abrasive acrylic particles include methyl methacrylate (MMA), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Methacrylate or the like. The abrasive scrubber material can be used to clean surfaces like Marble, Glass, Ceramic and even Teflon. Moreover, the abrasive scrubber material does not create any scratches on any of these surfaces. Further, abrasive scrubber material composition may include antimicrobial or antibacterial additive masterbach.

As showcased in the figure 7a and figure 7b, the cleaning means (12) is an abrasive scrubber sheet attached to first side (4a) of the connector plate (4). The abrasive scrubber sheet comprises of a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base layer. The base material layer (3) is compressible and the abrasive scrubber material layer (2) mainly performs scouring. The base material may be selected from a variety of materials like a polyurethane sponge, a conventional scourer, steel wool, other foam materials such as vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or the like.

The abrasive scrubber material layer (2) is made out of Polypropylene (PP) Strings. Further, the abrasive scrubber material layer (2) may comprise aluminium oxide (AlOx) abrasive particles or garnet abrasive particles embedded therein for improving cleaning efficiency. Abrasive particles are embedded within web of PP strings using a suitable binder slurry. Examples of suitable binders include epoxy, polyester or phenolic resins. Natural binders such as guar gum or other bio-adhesives may also be used. Further, the binder slurry may include antimicrobial or antibacterial additives.

The process of manufacturing the cleaning device (1) according to another embodiment includes the following steps.

The abrasive scrubber material sheet is manufactured by interlacing of PP strings. The interlacing may be performed by a needle punching or any other suitable interlacing technique. A web of PP string having uniform thickness is manufactured by a needle punching process. This web of PP string may be coated with abrasive slurry comprising suitable binder and AlOx or garnet abrasive particle. The coated interlaced web structure is subjected to conditions required to cure the binder material. After curing, the sheet used in abrasive scrubber material layer (2) is formed. This sheet is bonded to the base material layer (2) by a suitable bonding technique such as adhesive bonding or gluing, heat binding, stitching, fusion welding, stapling or the like to form the abrasive scrubber sheet (12). After the abrasive scrubber sheet is formed, die cutting is performed to get pieces of abrasive scrubber sheet having desired shape such as circular or square or triangular or hexagonal or the like. Each piece of the abrasive scrubber sheet (12) attached to the first side (4a) of connector plate (4) by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press -fitting.

Figure 7c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device disclosed in figure 7aand 7b.

As showcased in the figure 8a and figure 8b, the cleaning means (12) is an abrasive scrubber attached to first side (4a) of the connector plate (4). The abrasive scrubber (12) is made out of interlaced synthetic fiber wherein said synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon. Further, abrasive scrubber (12) may comprise aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet abrasive particles embedded therein for improving cleaning efficiency. AlOx or garnet abrasive particle are embedded within web of synthetic fibers using a suitable binder slurry. Examples of suitable binders include epoxy, polyester or phenolic resins. Natural binders such as guar gum or other bio-adhesives may also be used. Further, the binder slurry may include antimicrobial or antibacterial additives.

Further, the abrasive scrubber (12) may include a central hole (5) to allow entry of a protruding support (not shown) of a spin basket of the spin mop bucket (not shown).

The process of manufacturing the scrubber device includes the following steps.

The abrasive scrubber is manufactured by interlacing of synthetic fibers. The interlacing may be performed by a needle punching or any other suitable interlacing technique. A web of synthetic fibers having uniform thickness is manufactured by a needle punching process. This web of synthetic fibers may further be coated with an abrasive slurry comprising suitable binder and AlOx or garnet abrasive particles. The coated interlaced web structure is subjected to conditions required to cure the binder material. After curing, the abrasive scrubber (12) is formed. After the abrasive scrubber is formed, die cutting is performed to get pieces of abrasive scrubber having desired shape such as circular or square or triangular or hexagonal or the like. Each piece of the abrasive scrubber sheet (12) is attached to the first side (4a) of connector plate (4) by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press -fitting.

Few types of scrubber specifications suitable as cleaning means (12) are mentioned below.

According to another embodiment , the cleaning means (12) shown in figure 8a and 8b may be an abrasive scrubber (12) is made by covering a polyurethane foam with a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads therein. Such type of scrubbers comprising polyurethane foam enclosed by a sock of polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads are well known and available in the market. Steel threads used in this abrasive scrubber (12) may be made from SS430, SS304, SS316 or the similar grades of stainless steel. Further, the polyester fabric may be treated to include antimicrobial or antibacterial additives. According to another embodiment, the cleaning means (12) shown in figure 8a and 8b may be an abrasive scrubber (12) is made by covering a polyurethane foam with a polyester fabric having interwoven nylon threads therein.

The process of manufacturing the cleaning device according to another embodiment includes the following steps.

Polyurethane sponge is cut into desired shape such as circular or triangular or hexagonal or the like. A sock of polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads or interwoven nylon threads is manufactured separately by stitching the fabric pieces at periphery such that a part of periphery is kept open for insertion of the polyurethane sponge piece. The piece of polyurethane sponge is placed inside of the sock and the open side of the sock is stitched to form the abrasive scrubber (12).

In another method, polyurethane sponge is cut into desired shape such as circular or triangular or hexagonal or the like with a central hole therein. This polyurethane sponge piece is placed on a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads. Another piece of polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads is placed on top of the polyurethane sponge piece. The top and bottom fabric pieces and joined together by stitching along periphery of the sponge piece. The stitching is also performed along the periphery of inner central hole (5), such that the polyurethane sponge in enclosed from all sides in the polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads to form an abrasive scrubber (12). Each piece of the abrasive scrubber (12) is attached to the first side (4a) of connector plate (4) by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or pressfitting.

Figure 8c illustrates sectional view of mop head assembly attached with the cleaning device disclosed in figure 8a and 8b.

As showcased in the figure 9a and figure 9b, the cleaning means (12) is a bristled scrubber (12). This connector plate (4) with bristles (2) mounted on the one side forms the bristled scrubber (12). Bristles (2) are made from polypropylene (PP) or nylon material. Bristles (2) may be installed on the one side of the back supporting plate (4) by various well known techniques used for manufacturing surface cleaning brush or tooth brushes. Further, an antimicrobial or antibacterial additive masterbatch may be used during manufacturing of the bristles (2). The process of manufacturing the cleaning device according to another embodiment includes the following steps.

A back supporting plate (4) is manufactured by an injection moulding process such that it includes multiples holes on one side for mounting bristles. PP or nylon bristles of desired length are cut from long stands of PP/ Nylon using automated/ semi -automated machine. Bristles are folded, may be wound by a small wire and inserted into the holes provided on the connector plate (4) using an automated bristle mounting machine tool.

Other well-known or efficient processes may be used to mount bristles in the holes of the back supporting plate.

In another embodiment, a bristle head comprising disc shaped member with a bristles mounted on one face is manufactured separately and bonded to the connector plate (4) adhesively or through fusion welding or through stitching, stapling or through other suitable bonding methods.

In another embodiment, cleaning means (12) may be a bristled scrubber made of silicone bristles. The connector plate (4) and silicon bristle head (12) are manufactured separately by an injection moulding process. The silicon bristle head (12) may be elastically mounted around peripheries of one side of the back supporting plate (4). Alternatively, the silicon bristle head (12) may be joined to one side of the back supporting plate (4) through various joining processes such as adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or the like.

According to embodiment shown in figure 10a and lOn, the cleaning device comprises cleaning means (12) made from an absorbent sponge (12) supported on the first side (4a) of the connector plate (4), and a snap fitting arrangement (6) is provided on the other. The absorbent sponge may be made from a synthetic sponge material like Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Other suitable synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU), polyester , viscose or polyether may also be used for manufacturing sponge (12). Environmentally friendly materials like cellulose may also be used for manufacturing absorbent sponge (12). The absorbent sponge (12) may have undulating surface comprising plurality of crest regions (7a) and trough regions (7b). According to another embodiment, present invention discloses a mop head assembly (11b) comprising a mop plate (10) and a mop refill comprising a refill frame (9) configured to removably attached to said mop plate (10), a cleaning device (1) comprising a cleaning means (12) and a connector plate (4). The connector plate (4) comprises a first side (4a) and a second side (4b), the first side (4a) configured to attach a cleaning means (12) and the said second side (4b) is configured with a connecting arrangement (6) to engage and disengage with said refill frame (9) to removably attach said cleaning device (1) to said refill frame (9). According to an embodiment of mop head assembly (1 lb) of present invention, the cleaning means (12), is selected from a scrubber or an absorbent sponge.

According to an embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, the connection arrangement (6) may be selected from snap-fitting arrangement, press fitting arrangement or positive locking arrangement or any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, the connector plate (4) comprises plurality of spike like protruded elements (13) on said first side (4a) of said connector plate (4).

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, shape of said mop plate (10) and corresponding cleaning device (1) is selected from a circular, a triangular or polygon shape.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base material layer (3), wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises abrasive particles having Moh’s scale of hardness between 1 to 4. According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, the cleaning means (12) has undulating surface comprising plurality of crest portions (7a) and trough portions (7b).

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, the cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base material layer (3), wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises Polypropylene (PP) Strings and abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein said abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber made from a material selected from:

-interlaced synthetic fibers, wherein said synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon,

-interlaced synthetic fibers with abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein said synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon, and wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet, -a polyurethane (PU) foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads therein,

-a polyurethane (PU) foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven nylon threads therein,

-polypropylene (PP) bristles or nylon bristles or silicone bristles, or

-interlaced coconut husk material.

According to another embodiment of mop head assembly (11b) of present invention, the cleaning means (12), is an absorbent sponge made from a material selected from Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU), polyester, polyether, viscose or cellulose .

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of the cleaning device or mop head assembly of present invention that -

• clean off stubborn stains with ease

• the abrasive part of the abrasive scrubber sheet does not create any scratches on any of the surfaces except high polish wooden surface.

• the cleaning device can be removably attached to conventional mop heads easily

• the cleaning device allow convenience of removing hard stains without needing user to bend and use multiple tools • when attached to conventional mop head using refill with tassels, two cleaning steps such as scrubbing and mopping can be easily performed in a single step

• gives better cleaning effect

• absorb large amount of dirty water with ease. Typical PVA sponge can absorb water upto or more than 14 times of its own weight.

• the cleaning device allow convenience of absorbing large amount of dirty water in single sweep as compared to conventional mops where user needs to perform sweeping and draining multiple times.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cleaning device (1) for removably ataching to a mop head assembly (I la), said mop head assembly (I la) comprises a mop plate (10) and a mop refdl comprising a refdl frame (9) configured to removably atached to said mop plate (10), said cleaning device (1) comprising: a connector plate (4) comprising a first side (4a) and a second side (4b); said first side (4a) configured to atach a cleaning means (12) and said second side (4b) is configured with a connecting arrangement (6) to engage and disengage with said mop head assembly (I la) to removably attach said cleaning device (1) to said mop head assembly (1 la).

2. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said connector plate (4) comprises plurality of spikelike protruded elements (13) on said first side (4a) of said connector plate (4).

3. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is attached to said first side (4a) of connector plate (4) by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or pressfitting.

4. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12), is selected from a scrubber or an absorbent sponge.

5. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said connection arrangement (6) is selected from snap-fiting arrangement, press fiting arrangement or positive locking arrangement or any combination thereof.

6. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said mop head assembly (I la) is configured to spin by resting on a protrusion of a spin bucket, said cleaning means (12) includes a central hole (5) configured to receive said protrusion of spin bucket allowing free spinning of mop head assembly (I la).

7. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, shape of said mop plate (10) and corresponding cleaning device (1) is selected from a circular, a triangular or polygon shape.

8. A method of manufacturing the cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said method comprising:

- injection molding a connector plate (4) with desired shape and features

- manufacturing said cleaning means (12) separately in desired shape

- attaching said cleaning means (12) to said first side (4a) of said connector plate (4) by suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stapling or press-fitting.

9. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base material layer (3), wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises abrasive particles having Moh’s scale of hardness between 1 to 4.

10. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 4, said cleaning means (12) has undulating surface comprising plurality of crest (7a) portions and trough portions (7b).

11. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base material layer (3), wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises Polypropylene (PP) Strings and abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet.

12. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising interlaced synthetic fibers, wherein said synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon.

13. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 12 ,said scrubber includes abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet.

14. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 13, said scrubber has gram per square meter (GSM) value between 870 to 1850.

15. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a polyurethane (PU) foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads therein.

16. The mop head assembly (11) as claimed in claim 15, said steel is selected from SS430, SS304 and SS316 grades of steel.

17. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a polyurethane (PU) foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven nylon threads therein.

18. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising plurality of bristles (12b), said bristle material is selected from Polypropylene (PP) and nylon.

19. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 18, said bristles (12b) includes antimicrobial or antibacterial additives.

20. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising plurality of silicon bristles (12b).

21. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber made from interlaced coconut husk material. The cleaning device (1) as claimed in claim 1, said cleaning means (12) is an absorbent sponge made from material selected from Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU), polyester, polyether, viscose and cellulose. A mop head assembly (11b) comprising: a mop plate (10) and a mop refdl comprising a refdl frame (9) configured to removably attached to said mop plate (10); a cleaning device (1) comprising a cleaning means (12) and a connector plate (4), said connector plate (4) comprises a first side (4a) and a second side (4b); said first side (4a) configured to attach a cleaning means (12) and the said second side (4b) is configured with a connecting arrangement (6) to engage and disengage with said refill frame (9) to removably attach said cleaning device (1) to said refill frame (9). The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said cleaning means (12), is selected from a scrubber or an absorbent sponge. The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said connection arrangement (6) is selected from snap-fitting arrangement, press fitting arrangement or positive locking arrangement or any combination thereof. The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said connector plate (4) comprises plurality of spikelike protruded elements (13) on said first side (4a) of said connector plate (4). The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said cleaning means (12) is attached to said first side (4a) of connector plate (4) by a suitable joining method selected from adhesive bonding or gluing, heat bonding, fusion welding, stitching, stapling or press-fitting. The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said mop head assembly (11b) is configured to spin by resting on a protrusion of a spin bucket, said cleaning means (12) includes a central hole (5) configured to receive said protrusion of spin bucket allowing free spinning of mop head assembly (1 lb). The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, shape of said mop plate (10) and corresponding cleaning device (1) is selected from a circular, a triangular or polygon shape. The mop head assembly (11) as claimed in claim 23, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base material layer (3), wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises abrasive particles having Moh’s scale of hardness between 1 to 4. The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 24 , said cleaning means (12) has undulating surface comprising plurality of crest portions (7a) and trough portions (7b). The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber comprising a base material layer (3) and an abrasive scrubber material layer (2) deposited on the top surface of the base material layer (3), wherein base material is selected from Polyurethane (PU) foam, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, vinyls, viscose, cellulose, rubber, and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and abrasive scrubber material layer comprises Polypropylene (PP) Strings and abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein said abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet. The mop head assembly (11b) as claimed in claim 23, said cleaning means (12) is a scrubber made from a material selected from:

-interlaced synthetic fibers, wherein said synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon, interlaced synthetic fibers with abrasive particles embedded therein, wherein said synthetic fibers are selected from polyester, nylon or blend of polyester and nylon, and wherein abrasive particles are selected from aluminium oxide (AlOx) or garnet, -a polyurethane (PU) foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven steel threads therein,

-a polyurethane (PU) foam covered with a polyester fabric having interwoven nylon threads therein, -polypropylene (PP) bristles or nylon bristles or silicone bristles, or

-interlaced coconut husk material. The mop head assembly (1 lb) as claimed in claim 23, said cleaning means (12), is an absorbent sponge made from a material selected from Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU), polyester, polyether, viscose or cellulose.